No Loophole for Non-Citizens in MyKad Replacement, Says Anwar During Sandakan Visit
SANDAKAN: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the replacement of personal identification documents for victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire will be carried out strictly for Malaysian citizens, dismissing concerns that foreigners could exploit the process.
Speaking after inspecting the disaster site and meeting victims at a temporary relief centre in Sandakan, Anwar said safeguards are firmly in place through the National Registration Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“There have been concerns that non-citizens may try to take advantage of the situation, but this will not happen as we have complete records and strict verification processes,” he said.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday, destroyed around 1,000 homes in the water village, leaving more than 9,000 residents displaced and many without essential documents.
Anwar said the government has moved quickly to facilitate the replacement of critical documents such as MyKad, MyKid, as well as birth and death certificates, to ensure victims can resume their daily affairs without prolonged disruption.
He added that the matter had been discussed with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, with the NRD mobilised on the ground to expedite assistance for affected residents.
Also present during the visit were Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Mustapha Sakmud.
Beyond immediate relief efforts, Anwar said the government is also preparing medium- and long-term plans to redevelop the affected area. These plans will be coordinated at both the state and district levels before final decisions are made.
“While we want swift implementation, the planning must also be thorough, taking into account the state’s development priorities and long-term strategy,” he said.
He added that assistance for victims, including temporary housing and essential aid, will continue to be expedited as authorities work to stabilise conditions on the ground.
The government’s response aims to balance urgent humanitarian needs with structured recovery planning, while ensuring that administrative processes remain secure and transparent.
-wilayah.com.my
